How does Peskin derive equations 2.51 and 2.52 from equation 2.50 on page 27?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the derivation of equations 2.51 and 2.52 from equation 2.50 in Peskin's text. The transition involves simplifying the exponent in equation 2.50 to -iEt, where E is defined as -it√(p² + m²). The conversion from Cartesian momentum coordinates (p_x, p_y, p_z) to spherical polar coordinates (p_r, p_θ, p_φ) is crucial, as it allows for the integration over p_r, which is analogous to integration over r in spherical coordinates. The leading factor of 4π in equation 2.51 arises from the angular integrals performed in the previous equation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Peskin's equations, specifically equations 2.50, 2.51, and 2.52.
  • Familiarity with momentum space concepts, including Cartesian and spherical polar coordinates.
  • Knowledge of integral calculus, particularly in the context of multi-variable integrals.
  • Basic understanding of quantum field theory and the significance of timelike intervals.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of equation 2.50 in Peskin's text for foundational understanding.
  • Learn about the transformation between Cartesian and spherical polar coordinates in momentum space.
  • Explore the implications of integrating over momentum variables in quantum field theory.
  • Review the mathematical techniques used in deriving integrals in quantum mechanics.
USEFUL FOR

Students and researchers in theoretical physics, particularly those focusing on quantum field theory and particle physics, will benefit from this discussion. It is also valuable for anyone seeking to understand the mathematical foundations of Peskin's work.

Rapivcci
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I am trying to verify 2.50 on pg 27 of peskin but did it in my own way, I am sure i made some mistakes here but i was able to get the right answer. Can someone highlight why some of these steps are invalid and explain how peskin git from 2.50 to the first step used in the text for 2.51.
15519386456087053958814888589689.jpg

And yes it should be p-m(p+m), sry about that.
 

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Rapivcci said:
how peskin git from 2.50 to the first step used in the text for 2.51.
From (2.50), with the assumption that x-y is purely timelike, that reduces the exponent in (2.50) to ##-iEt##, which is ##-it\sqrt{p^2+m^2}##, (where ##p^2## means the magnitude of the 3-momentum).

Then he changes from Cartesian momentum coordinates ##p_x, p_y, p_z## to spherical polar momentum coordinates ##p_r, p_\theta, p_\phi##. The Cartesian ##p^2## is just ##p_r^2##, but then he denotes a plain ##p## to mean ##\sqrt{p_r^2}##, i.e., the magnitude of the 3-momentum. The integral in the 1st line of (2.51) is then really an integral over ##p_r## (analogous to an integral over ##r## in ordinary spherical polar position coordinates). He has already performed the angular integrals of the 3-integral in (2.50) -- that's where the leading factor of ##4\pi## in (2.51) came from.

Then there's a change of integration variable from ##p## to ##E=\sqrt{p^2+m^2}## to get the 2nd line in (2.51).

HTH.
 
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